Network architecture for remote robot with interchangeable tools

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices. Systems according to the preferred embodiments find particular application in the pipeline arts. For example, interchangeable tool heads may be designed to facilitate inspection, debris clearing, cleaning, relining, lateral cutting after relining, mapping, and various other common pipeline-related tasks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems, devices and methodsrelated to the remote control of robots, and, more specifically, thepresent invention relates to a system architecture utilizing a robotwith interchangeable tools used for pipeline rehabilitation.

2. Description of the Background

The use of robotic devices or robots to perform tasks that are eithertoo difficult, too dangerous, or too repetitive in order to gainefficiencies over similar manual processes is well known in many arts.These robots are typically either tele-operated (an operator acting onvisual cues or visual servo feedback), operator assisted, forcedmultiplication (one operator overseeing a plurality of robots) orautonomous (no human intervention).

In most of these industries, specific robots have been custom-designedto perform each individual task that is automated. Such custom-designedmachines are very expensive to build and maintain, and do not takeadvantage of the similarities between the various tasks that need to beperformed. In short, most robotic applications are special purpose, andthese robots are not designed to be flexible, self-configurable, andeasy to operate.

One particular application that has seen attempts at utilizing robots isin the area of tanks and pipelines (conduits). Since many pipes are of astandard size and regular shape, it is considered less difficult todesign robots that can navigate and perform work within the confines ofthese structures. Therefore, although the concepts of the presentinvention find application across a wide variety of industries, theexamples given herein will be directed to robots utilized insidepipeline networks, as described in more detail below.

Various pipeline networks are used in a variety of differenttechnological disciplines. For example, largely subterranean potablewater pipeline networks deliver clean water to homes and businesses, andsewer pipeline networks guide used water and wastes away from these samelocations for further treatment or disposal. Likewise, natural gas,petroleum and chemical pipelines operate in a similar manner. Ingeneral, pipeline networks are used to guide an almost limitless varietyof liquids and gases from one location to another, either under pressureor by the force of gravity.

A section of a conventional pipeline network for subterranean sewers isshown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of the pipelinenetwork, and FIGS. 1B and 1C show front (down the longitudinal axis) andside views, respectively. As seen in FIG. 1, a main line 10 typicallytraverses in a longitudinal direction with a variety of differentlateral lines 12, 14 intersecting the main 10 at various locations. Thelateral connections with the main 10 occur at various angles in planesco-linear with the longitudinal axis (FIG. 1C) and perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis (FIG. 1B). A lateral typically may intersect with themain 10 at any angle within the upper hemisphere of the main.

The pipeline network also includes a plurality of surface manholes (notshown) that provide access to the subterranean pipeline network atvarious locations. For sewer pipelines, a distance of 300 feet betweensuccessive manhole access points is common. These access pointsintersect with the main as vertically intersecting laterals.

After years of wear, the walls of the pipelines begin to crack, leak andgenerally deteriorate, and this wear may adversely affect use of thepipe. As such, various processes have been developed to rehabilitatethese pipelines and provide for a longer service life. As used herein,the term “rehabilitation” includes all active tasks performed on a pipeas part of the relining process including inspection, cleaning, debrisclearing, relining, and the like. One common rehabilitation methodinvolves relining the interior walls of pipes with an epoxy orresin-impregnated felt liner that is prefabricated and rolled in theform of a rolled-up sock (i.e., one end open and one end closed). Theliner is fed down through a manhole access point and is guided into thepipeline main. Pressurized water or steam is then forced into the openend of the rolled liner forcing it to unroll and unfurl down the lengthof the main. The far end of the liner is tied off or closed to allow forthe expansion of the felt liner against the inside of the pipe wall.

The relining process is typically performed on pipes that have beenprepared for relining by removing serious flaws, such as collapses andextensive debris. In these cases, a machine or other means, depending onthe size of the pipe, is used to assess and repair the main and/orlateral (extending to a house or building) before relining.

After unrolling, the felt liner, often referred to as Cured In PlacePipe (CIPP), is filled with pressurized heated water and is allowed tocure for several hours depending on the CIPP length, thickness and otherrelining factors. For an 8″ sewer main, a typical cure time may be threehours. After curing, the closed end of the liner is cut open allowingthe water to proceed down the main out of the liner. The result is arelined, and hence rehabilitated, pipe that lasts for up to 50 moreyears with regular maintenance. This process is obviously much cheaperthan excavating and replacing the mains of subterranean pipe networks.

At this point, each of the lateral connections with the main is nowcovered over with the cured epoxy lining. Therefore, to restore serviceto the houses and other buildings connected to the main through thelaterals, new openings in the Cured In Place Pipe must be cut at eachlateral connection. Typically, for smaller pipes that do not allow forman-entry within the mains for cutting (e.g., smaller than 24″ indiameter), a small machine is used to cut the laterals open aftercuring. The machine includes an air-powered routing bit with three axesof manipulation that is operated from the surface. Via operator visualservo feedback (closed circuit TV), the cutting machine is positioned infront of a lateral. This signaling and feedback is all analog.

To accomplish the lateral cutting task using conventional methods, theoperator uses a camera view from an inspection sled which is being toweddirectly in front of the lateral cutting machine which provides aperspective view of the cutting operation. Typically, a conventionalvideo feed (CCTV—analog) is used for tele-operation of the machine. Theoperator (at the surface) uses the analog video image to look for a“dimple” or depression in the newly cured liner caused by thepressurized water indenting the soft felt liner at the location of mostlaterals. In some cases, a lateral may not cause a dimple in the liner.In these cases, a pay-out sensor may be used to generally identify thelocation of each lateral prior to lining, and the lateral cuttingmachine may be stopped at each of the recorded locations after liningand attempt to drill or punch a lateral hole at each of these locations.In either case, the conventional method lacks a great deal of precision.

Throughout this pipe relining or rehabilitation operation (before andafter relining), remotely controlled robots may be used. For example,the initial inspection may be performed based on a robot with cameracapabilities. Further, large or small debris may be cleared out of thepipeline via some sort of robotic device. Finally, as explained above,the lateral cutting operation, as well as the sealing or inspectionoperations, may also be automated.

However, these prior robotic application do not present a universalarchitecture and robotic device that can be used to perform these, andother similar tasks using a robot with interchangeable tool heads. Theseprior art systems do not include self-recognizing components connectedto the network architecture. Finally, these prior systems do not includea Graphical User Interface (“GUI”) that builds itself based upon therecognition of robotic components and robotic functionality. In fact,conventional interfaces are nothing more than analog overlays and arenot GUIs at all. These and other disadvantages of the prior art areaddressed by the present invention.

Although shown and described herein with respect to sewer pipelines, thepresent invention could also be used in other industries, such asgeneral industrial, water, gas, or chemical pipes, as well as non-pipeindustries such as construction. Those skilled in the art can easilyadapt the features of the present invention to these and otheralternative uses within the scope of this patent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment, the presentinvention provides systems, methods and devices for the remote controlof a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Althoughapplicable to many different industries, the core structure of thesystem includes a robot with an attachment interface for mechanically,electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality ofinterchangeable tool heads and sensors to perform various workfunctions.

The robot and attachment (tool head or sensor) typically include a firstlevel of local digital feedback that provides a quick feedback responsefor certain time-sensitive signaling decisions. The robot is alsocommunicatively connected to a remote computer (for example a computerat the surface when a robot is exploring subterranean pipes) for aslightly slower feedback loop. This secondary feedback may be used forslightly less time-critical decisions or when human interaction isnecessary. Finally, groups of these robot/remote computer systems mayall be wired or wirelessly connected via a larger network, such as theInternet, to provide truly remote control of a series of robots withinterchangeable tool heads.

These systems have several preferred options. For example, a singleumbilical cord may be used to send power, air, and communicationssignals between the robot and the remote computer (the power and air mayalso be locally generated at the robot). Additionally, all communication(including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Also, a GUIrunning on the remote computer preferably automatically queries andidentifies all of the various devices on the network and automaticallyconfigures its user options to parallel the installed devices. This“plug-and-play” architecture provides various advantages over the priorart.

Systems according to the preferred embodiments find particularapplication in the pipeline arts. For example, interchangeable toolheads may be designed to facilitate inspection, debris clearing,cleaning, relining, lateral cutting after relining, mapping, and variousother common pipeline-related tasks. This single general architecture isscalable and adaptability in a plurality of ways as defined in thedetail description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the present invention to be clearly understood and readilypracticed, the present invention will be described in conjunction withthe following figures, wherein like reference characters designate thesame or similar elements, which figures are incorporated into andconstitute a part of the specification, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a section of a conventional pipeline network;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary robot with interchangeable tools;

FIG. 3 shows the primary axes of movement of the tools and sensors thatare attached to an exemplary robot;

FIG. 4 shows a robot with a barrel cutting tool attached;

FIG. 5 shows a robot with a lateral cutting tool attached;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary network architecture for controlling a robotwith interchangeable tools;

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary network architecture including a winch;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary GUI for a lateral cutting tool;

FIG. 9 shows an alternative cutting method via a GUI;

FIG. 10 shows an alternative cutting method via a GUI; and

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary bounding box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, forpurposes of clarity, other elements that may be well known. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements aredesirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention.However, because such elements are well known in the art, and becausethey do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention,a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. The detaileddescription will be provided hereinbelow with reference to the attacheddrawings.

The present invention is generally directed to a network architecturefor controlling robotic devices, wherein the robotic device includes auniversal interface for attaching a variety of different tool heads andsensors (collectively “attachments”) thereto. It should be noted that,although the terms may be considered similar, the present descriptionuses the term “tool head” to denote an attachment that is used toperform some type of work (but may also include sensors) in distinctionto a “sensor” which would only be used to sense and return some type ofdata. Each interchangeable tool head preferably performs a differentwork function such as imaging (via a camera), digging, cutting,grinding, collecting data, and/or an almost limitless variety of othertasks. Depending on the industry, these tasks may be very complicated orquite simple.

In addition to the interchangeable attachments, the robot of the presentinvention also optionally includes a variety of other sensors on therobot itself that may be useful in a particular situation. These sensorsmay be used to sense conditions that are fed back to a local controller(such as a local speed or position controller) or the data may be sentback to an operator using a remote computer. Again, a variety ofdifferent sensors and sensor orientations (as part of the robot orattachment) may be utilized, with flexibility being the key.

High level control and monitoring of the robotic device preferablyoccurs via a remote computer, with signals traveling through anumbilical attached between the remote computer and the robot. Sensordata, video, audio, and position feedback information may be collectedfrom the robot in real-time, and commands may be sent back to the robotfrom the remote computer. An operator utilizes the remote computer via agraphic display or GUI.

It should be noted here that the use of the term “real-time” within thisapplication does not denote instantaneous time. The concept of whatconstitutes communication in “real-time” depends upon number ofdifferent factors including the given application and the timeconstraints for that application. In fact, an asynchronous communicationlink could be considered real-time if on a very high speed network.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, all data andsignals transmitted between the remote computer and the robot are in adigital format to increase data throughput and to facilitate the easyuse of a computer-based GUI. Preferably, the entire system isplug-and-play: the controller recognizes when new components are addedto or changed on the robot. In an optional feature, the GUI softwareuses the detected robotic components and adjusts the control optionsoffered to the operator automatically, based upon safety guidelines,feasibility and other rules that prohibit certain actions with certainrobots.

Although this type of flexible robot and system architecture may be usedin a variety of different applications, because the various tasksinvolved are so similar, the present invention finds particularapplicability with respect to pipeline robots. As such, and withoutlimiting the scope of the present invention to any particularapplication, a more detailed description of an exemplary robot, systemarchitecture, and methods for using such a robot in a pipeline are nowprovided.

An Exemplary Pipeline Device

In a pipeline-based embodiment, the present invention comprises a robotwith interchangeable tools and sensors that communicate with a remote(often topside) computer to accomplish certain tasks. Through the use ofdigital control, automatic recognition of robot components, and otherfeatures, the present invention provides a universal platform foraccomplishing tasks via a robot that is either tele-operated orautonomous in nature. By breaking down the robot and its controlalgorithm into its basic parts, the present invention may be bestunderstood.

FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a universal platform robot 50according to the present invention. The robot 50 generally includes abase robot chassis or bed 55 that provides both an anchor for the robotduring performance of various tasks as well as a common platform ontowhich the multiple function-specific tool heads (or sensors) may beattached. By connecting various tool heads (with different motors,sensors, etc.) to the tool head interface 60 (also known as an“attachment interface”) of the base robot chassis 55, the functionalityof the robot changes 50.

The robot 50 of FIG. 2 (and in most applications) is interested in 6degrees of movement. Specifically, the robot 50, including its attachedsensors and tools, has the ability to move in three dimensionsthroughout the pipe, and the tool head (or more particularly the activeend of the tool head) moves in three additional directions with respectto the base chassis. Therefore, to accurately perform work utilizing theremote robot, each of these degrees of freedom must be accuratelycontrolled.

The robot 50 of FIG. 2 shows one exemplary clamping mechanism 65 inwhich opposing ends of the robot provide the support and clampingsurfaces. In this example, clamps 65 are hydraulically extended from theside portions of each opposing end of the robot 50 onto or into the sidewalls of the pipe, anchoring the robot in place to perform work. Theanchoring mechanism may also be an inflatable bag or other means.Alternatively, a cantilevered (both supports on the same side of therobot) or a single-ended support structure could be utilized for certainapplications.

Once in place, FIG. 3 shows the primary axes of movement of the toolsand sensors that are attached to the robot 50. Specifically, the toolhead interface 60 is shown as having rotational movement (angular axisT), and longitudinal movement along the long axis of the robot 50(longitudinal axis L). Each of these degrees of movement may beaccomplished via the robot itself (exclusive of the tool attachedthereto). For example, the longitudinal movement (L) may be accomplishedusing a direct or ball screw drive attached to a motor. The longitudinal(L) and angular (T) axes allow for movement generally parallel to theinner surface of the pipe (e.g., moving a lateral cutter around theedges of a lined lateral).

Additionally, a third degree of movement is shown along the radial axis(R) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L). Since this movement isnot always necessary, radial movement is typically accomplished via theattached tool head, if necessary. This radial movement is perpendicularto the inner surface of the pipe (e.g., moving a lateral cutter into andout of the liner surface).

Since this robot is specifically designed for use within pipes, conduitsand the like, these three axes of motion are preferred so that cuttingand other tools may easily track the curvature of the inner diameter ofthe pipes. The movement along these three axes is preferablyaccomplished using closed loop control for position, velocity and torqueperformed locally at the robot. By providing motion to the tool headinterface (and therefore the interchangeable tools and sensorsthemselves), an almost limitless variety of work and sensing functionsmay be accomplished.

At the heart of the universal platform robot is the tool head interface60. This tool head interface provides a common interface for all of thevarious tools and sensors that may be attached to the robot to carry outdifferent tasks. The tool head interface provides mechanical couplingwith repeatable location and rotation, an electrical interface toprovide power to motors and other actuators that reside on the variousattached tools, and a pneumatic drive supply for an air motor and/orpneumatic air supplies for air logic and solenoid-based actuators. It isnoted that in other embodiments the power, air or other signals may belocally generated, at or on the robot or tool/sensor itself.

In addition to these connection-specific features, the tool headinterface 60 preferably includes a control interface to provideclosed-loop control, digital inputs and outputs (to/from an attachedtool or sensor), “spare” lines for specialized tool heads (e.g., RS-232or RS-485 signals that provide the flexibility to interconnect withadditional sensors, tools, etc.), and sealing of all electrical andmechanical interfaces once a tool is connected thereto. The tool headinterface 60 is the fundamental connection point between theinterchangeable tools of the present invention and the robotic device.

Different interchangeable tools or tool heads are designed to performdifferent tasks. For example, in the pipeline art described above, toolsmay be utilized at various stages of a pipeline rehabilitation projectsuch as: video survey and/or range mapping; reference markerimplantation and registration; obstruction cutting (roots, intrudinglaterals, mortar flows); lateral sleeve/mold loading; lateralsleeve/mold grinding and reinstatement; lateral aperture reopening; andother job-specific development tasks. As two exemplary tools attached tothe robot shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 shows a robot 50 with a barrel cuttingtool 70 attached, and FIG. 5 shows a robot with a lateral cutting tool75 attached.

System Architecture

In a tele-operated environment, the robot is in communication with aremote computer (typically at the surface or “topside” which istypically more than 25 meters from said robot) which receivesinformation about the robot's current project. FIG. 6 shows a high levelnetwork topology for use with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 6, a remote computer 100 is shown connected to therobot components through an umbilical cord 105. Moreover, thecommunication between the robot and tool head may be fiber, wired (coax)or wireless (which may not require an umbilical at all).

In more detail, the network architecture is centered around adistributed controller 80 which is the primary connection point betweenthe remote computer 100 and the robot. As shown in FIG. 6, thedistributed controller 80 is connected to one or more motors or mobilitydevices 85 that enable the movement of the robot according to FIG. 3.These motors 85 move and rotate the various attached tools, andpreferably each include encoders or some other type of feedback that maybe utilized in a closed loop configuration, onboard the robot, to impartmotion on the attached tool or sensor.

The distributed controller 80 is also shown connected to the tool headinterface 90. This tool head interface 90 is shown as including a powertake off (to provide movement to a tool shaft) and quick connectmechanical interconnections with an attached tool (not shown). Thedistributed controller 80 is also shown connected to multiple digitalcameras 95 (real-time cameras) and a variety of different plug-and-playsensors 97. The cameras 95 may view in the forward or reverselongitudinal directions, towards the tool, or in any other direction.The onboard sensors 97 may sense a variety of different environmental(e.g., temperature, PH, and gas composition) and robot-specificcharacteristics (e.g., robot tilt, temperature, humidity and pneumaticair pressure).

On the other side of the distributed controller 80 of FIG. 6 is shown anumbilical cord 105 connected to the remote computer 100. The umbilicalcord 105 preferably provides power, communications, and services to therobot from the topside operations center (including the remotecomputer). For example, the umbilical may provide: data communicationsusing IEEE-1394 using MMF or CAT-6 cabling (over fiber or wire);real-time digital video for up to two simultaneous video streams;control signaling for all digital I/O and data acquisition; motioncommands and feedback to/from the robot motors 85; electric power formotors and control logic; and pneumatic power for air-driven motors ontools and air logic—the electricity and air provided to the robotfinding their source in topside power sources and compressors.Preferably, the umbilical 105 includes quick connect/disconnect housingsand is wrapped with woven fiberglass or other resilient material towithstand wear. As described above, this umbilical 105 may also not benecessary if communication is wireless and if power and air (ifnecessary) is located on the robot itself.

At the other end of the umbilical 105 shown in FIG. 6 is a remotepersonal computer 100 that provides the user interface 110 to the robot.For example, as described in more detail below, the computer 100 mayinclude a joystick to provide control of the robot and a screen to showthe real-time results of the various sensors, cameras and the likeonboard the robot. As described below, an additional communicationslayer, for example over the Internet 135, may provide a high levelremote monitoring 130 function to the system.

FIG. 7 shows the use of the present invention with a tethered robot 50and a topside remote computer 100. As seen in FIG. 7, the robot isconnected to master 140 and slave 150 motorized reel spools which willpull the robot in the longitudinal direction according to conventionalpractices. Preferably, these spools have encoders and feedbackalgorithms that provide closed loop control of the positioning of therobot within the pipe. The robot shown in FIG. 7 includes a forwardlooking camera 155, a tool camera 160, and a lateral cutting tool 165attached to the tool head interface. Once the master/slave winches 140,150 have positioned the robot near a desired location, the multipledegree of freedom movement of the tool may take place.

It should be noted at this time that although operations within a mainpipe are the basis of the preferred embodiments, the present inventionis equally applicable to lateral pipes and manholes. All of the sametasks (e.g., inspection, cleaning, grouting, grappling, etc.) availablein the main, may also take place in the lateral. Further, the manholesthat provide vertical access to the main pipes (and the access pointsfor the master/slave reels) may also take advantage of the concepts ofthe present invention.

As described above (and shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), there are many toolheads that may be used with the robotic device. For example, a lateralcutting device may be attached to the robot to cut intersections withlateral pipes open after relining. The lateral cutting device may takeon many forms, with a rotating rasp or blade that allows for thereopening of laterals after a pipe relining process. Likewise, a rootcutting attachment may be attached to the robot to cut exposed roots orother debris that infiltrate underground pipes from the outside. Thisdevice improves upon the traditional methodologies using chains andblades.

A pipe cleaning tool head may be used to clean a pipe from grease,calcium deposits, or other build-up that may exist within a pipe orconduit. The pipe cleaning attachment may include a brush-type drum withvarying degrees of stiffness or other types of heads to clean, sandand/or debur pipes, as necessary.

A protruding lateral trimming tool head may be used with the robot toeffectively trim a lateral that protrudes into the main. Additionally,the robot may be integrated with current cleaning technology using highpressure water to directly perform cleaning tasks on a specific area orlocation. A similar high pressure jet tool could be used to cleardebris, such as leaves from the pipes.

Additional attachments for a pipeline rehabilitation robot may include:a pipe joint sealing attachment (used to place joint sealant or othersealing material at each specific joint to stop infiltration, rootintrusion, and any other defect that may be required for repair); a pipejoint/lateral testing attachment; a pipe profiler attachment (used toperform specific profiling of a pipe and dimension using laser light todenote pipe deformation and sonar to depict a 3-dimensional image of theconduit in real-time); a pipe sampling attachment (used to take samplesat a certain location of the conduit, lateral or pipe junction); and aninternal repair attachment (used to repair a pipe using a restrainingclamp system or a modified spot repair liner system to address aspecific area of concern or defect in the conduit). Tool heads such asgrappling attachments, sensors, data acquisition devices, applicators,vacuums, cable layers and internal lining attachments (to pull the CIPPliner through an unlined pipe) may also be used.

In addition to all of the main tools that may be attached to the robotas described above, there is also an almost limitless variety of sensorsthat may be incorporated into the robot (or a tool attached to therobot) or attached to the robot to sense various characteristics of therobot and its environment. For example, for positioning, the robotpreferably includes a tilt sensor for angle relative to gravity, and ainclinometer for feeding back the pipe angle to the remote computer foraccurate determination of the tilt of the longitudinal axis.

Communications

Since a wide variety of tool, sensor and control data is passed back andforth to the robot, communications bandwidth is at a premium. Therefore,another preferred feature of the present invention includes convertingremote (robot-based) analog signals to digital and then multiplexing thedigital signals to the remote computer (at the surface) digitally.Conventionally, robotic communications are made via a straight wire(multi-conductor point-to-point wiring from topside to the robot) oranalog multiplexing (multiple analog signals are multiplexed onto asingle or a few conductors to reduce the wiring requirement). Thepresent invention preferably uses pure digital multiplexing to carry outits communications tasks.

In more detail, the most commonly used communications system for commandand control components (e.g., power supplies, joysticks, switches)includes connections made through a length of umbilical (electricalwires and/or fluid hoses). Each device (e.g., motor or sensor) on therobot is connected through its umbilical by individual conductors to acontrol component at the other end of the umbilical. The result is amulti-conductor, discreet function umbilical with multiple controlinterfaces to operate each device. These devices typically provide no(or very limited) feedback to the operator because of the number ofconductors that would be required to transmit this information back tothe control interface. This would force the umbilical to grow too largefor practical use. Audio and video is captured and transmitted in analogform over dedicated coaxial or twisted pair lines in the umbilical,limiting the number of video or audio devices that can be used andleading to decreased signal strength and electrical noise concerns.

Alternatively, some traditional robotic communications systems(typically used with pipe inspection robots), use a multiplexingstrategy to combine video, control, and sometimes power all on a singlecoaxial or twisted pair conductors. To enable this type offunctionality, several signals (e.g., video, audio, sensor status,motion feedback information) are encoded or multiplexed onto commonconductors and transmitted through the umbilical to another device whichcan then decode or de-multiplex the information and process it such thata two-way communication and control structure is established. Thisapproach can reduce the number of conductors, but is still limited.Specifically, this system includes a lossy, slow and short analogsignaling scheme that requires custom-designed interfaces to bedeveloped.

Both of these communications architectures for remote robotic controlare characterized by undesirable limitations. For example, the number ofdevices and functions per device is limited because of umbilical size.Functionality expansion is limited or nonexistent because addedfunctionality requires changes to hardware/software and a new/alteredumbilical with additional conductors. Data rate limitations do not allowfor real-time closed loop control, and analog video data must beconverted so that the data is compatible with existing sewer databases.

The robotic communications scheme presented as part of the preferredembodiment of the present invention includes a robotic systemarchitecture based on a time-multiplexed, multi-nodal long hauladdressable network. For example, the IEEE 1394 multimedia connectionstandard may be implemented to provide high-bandwidth isochronous(real-time) data interfacing between the robot and a remote (topside)computer. The low overhead, high data rates of IEEE 1394, the ability tomix real-time and asynchronous data on a single connection, and theability to mix low speed and high speed devices on the same networkprovides a universal connection for all robotic application envisionedherein. The communications network may also transmit data according toIEEE-1394a, IEEE-1394b, Firewire, IEEE P802.3z Gigabit Ethernet, and USB2.0, among other similar communications protocols, past and future.Ethernet's use of Quality of Service (QoS) may be advantageous in someembodiments.

The isochronous communications scheme also allows for real-time transferof sensor, control and other data while utilizing a more conventional,asynchronous, operating system such as Windows™. By using an isochronouscommunication scheme with an asynchronous operating system, thepreferred embodiment of the present invention maintains ease ofprogramming (e.g., to design unique operator user interfaces) andmaximizes the flexibility of the design process because more commonsoftware tools are available for asynchronous operating systems.

Closed Loop Control

As stated above, if conventional control methodologies were utilized,the umbilical between the robot and the topside computer would need alarge number of physical conductors in order to provide true closed loopcontrol of the features of the robot. In the present invention, becauseof the multiplexed digital communications scheme, closed loop control oftime sensitive elements may be handled by local closed loops (e.g.,current, velocity and position of motor is monitored in real-time andclosed at the robot) and other non-time critical activities may beclosed by sending the feedback to the host and having the host close theloop which then sends the control signal information back down to theremote robot.

This closed loop feedback is especially useful for positioning control.In the past, prior systems have merely sent commands to move a tetheredrobot to a new position. According to the present invention, theposition of the robot is sensed and a closed loop feedback scheme, basedon the known actual feedback position from the motor, is used to commandthe robot to move to a new position.

Digital closed loop control may be used for tele-operation controlwithin a pipe, mobility and dead reckoning within a pipe, operatorassist features in a pipe (partial human oversight or control), functionscripting in a pipe (see below), forced multiplication, and fullautonomy in a pipe (no human oversight or control).

In more detail, the closed loop feedback of the present invention workson a variety of different levels. For tasks and communication thatrequire almost immediate response, the closed loop feedback may exist ata local level—completely onboard the robot and the tool/sensor head 60.For decisions that require a slightly slower response time or that mayrequire interaction with a human, the closed loop feedback may existbetween the robot and the remote computer 100 (either wired through theumbilical 105, or wirelessly over the air). Finally, for intermittentdecisions and high level decision making, various different robot/remotecomputer subsystems may be connected to a central remote monitor 130(which may merely be another PC in another place), for example over theInternet 135. This remote monitor 130, which may exist across vastgeographic distances from the robot, provides this high level closedloop feedback (see FIG. 6)

GUI and Robot Component Self-Discovery

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) (known generally as a digitaldashboard) utilized by the operator has a variety of differentfunctionalities based upon the digital nature of the communicationsbetween the robot and the remote computer. In preferred embodiments, theoperator navigates the user interface screens and inputs data by way ofa conventional personal computer input device such as a joystick, mouse,or keyboard. The functionality of the user interface will be determinedby the operator selection of a mode of operation, in one of four mainmodes.

In the winch/reel control mode, the operator uses the input device toprogress the robot forward and backward (longitudinally) in the pipe. Inthis case, the GUI displays the position of the robot within the pipecalculated based upon the umbilical cable reel odometry system.Additionally, the user interface may include a “record location”function which saves a current location and allows a quick means torelocate the same position during a latter “playback” sequence. This isuseful in marking robot positioning adjacent to certain pipe features(e.g., laterals that will need to be cut). The angular position of therobot may be displayed based on an onboard tilt sensor.

The second main mode of the user interface is the robot control mode. Inrobot control mode, the winch is disabled and the robot is “locked” intoposition within the pipe. As described above, a variety of differentclamping mechanisms may be used. In this mode, the operator may use theinput device to move the location of the tool using the onboard motors.The user interface preferably keeps track of the tool position, toolstatus (e.g., running, stopped, enabled), tool speed (if applicable),and various other sensor data. Digital I/O will be displayed asgraphical “buttons” to allow for actuation of devices and scriptedfunctions. These scripted functions and actuations will differ dependingon the attached tool.

A third mode of the user interface is teach mode. The teach mode issimilar to the robot control mode described above, with the additionalfeature that it can record all of the axes, sensor states, and I/Ostates in a sequential list to be used for a subsequent playback. Theserecorded lists are then editable by the user. The final mode is theplayback mode which allows the selection of any recorded sequence fromteach mode or any pre-defined path or scripted function sequence.

Preferably (although not required), the various components of thepresent invention are self-recognizable, and the graphical userinterface (GUI) utilized by an operator (e.g., topside) builds itselfautomatically based upon the detected architecture. This aspect of thepresent invention is broken up into discovery (identifying the attachedcomponents) and GUI presentation (automatically building the appropriateGUI).

The “discovery” process is the process whereby all of the robotsfeatures and attached components (including their functionalities) areregistered to the system controller. This process occurs automaticallyas new tool heads and/or sensors are added to or deleted from the robot.In its most basic form, the discovery process includes three fundamentalsteps: (1) identification; (2) fabrication; and (3) assembly.

During the identification stage, intelligent modules on a plug-and-playnetwork announce themselves to the network. In other words, a robot maybe made up of several different component pieces (e.g., a lateralcutting tool, a temperature sensor and a tilt sensor). During theidentification phase, each individual component puts some sort ofidentifying signal on the network bus or its memory is queried for theinformation. For example, by putting a serial number and product modelnumber on the network, the topside computer recognizes that a new devicehas been connected and is able to identify the device and its features(taken from a saved database of features for all potential devices).

After identification, during fabrication, each identified component isqueried (no configuration file is required) for its functionality andthe software robotic components are fabricated. Finally, duringassembly, each robot component is queried for its virtual, physical, andelectrical connections, and components that can be logically assembledinto functional robots are assembled by the software. In other words, avirtual robot (or robots) that logically may be created based on theinterconnections identified above are created in the system. Thisinformation is used to tailor the GUI as described below.

There are two main steps to the GUI presentation process. First, thecapability of the robot is assessed. During the robot componentfabrication phase, each robot component publishes its capabilities tothe network. During the robot assembly phase, robot level capabilitiesare published based upon the presence of robot component capabilities.The GUI then queries the robot for its capabilities.

During the GUI assembly process, process level capabilities presentthemselves in the process control and Process Navigator regions of theGUI. World-view capabilities present themselves in the Windshield regionof the GUI. Robot status capabilities present themselves in thedashboard region of the GUI. Diagnostic capabilities present themselvesin the diagnostics region of the GUI. These diagnostic capabilitiesinclude robot, robot component and hardware level (raw I/O query andcontrol).

The keys to the GUI process include the plug-and-play networking ofcontrols, intelligent controls present in the functional components ofthe robot (local non-volatile storage identifying the robot componentand its configuration parameters, and the self-configuration GUI basedupon capabilities.

FIG. 8 shows one exemplary GUI 200 that has been automatically tailoredby the system to only show those functions that are related to a lateralcutting robot 205. The large window in the upper right of the GUI 200 isthe “windshield” 210 which currently depicts a real-time camera viewfrom the forward looking 215 (longitudinal) camera. If the operatorselects alternative camera views (such as the diagonal 220 andattachment 225 camera selections shown in FIG. 8), then the windshieldview 210 will change to reflect that selection.

The lower portion of the GUI is the “dashboard” 230 which reflects thereal-time status of certain sensors on the robot. For example, therotational angle, radial height, and longitudinal length of the toolrelative to gravity and the robot chassis is shown in the first threeboxes. This information comes to the GUI 200 through the umbilical viaonboard sensors. Further, the bit RPM of the lateral cutting tool isshown—this characteristic would not appear if the controller detectedthat no such lateral cutting device existed. Additionally, the dashboard230 depicts the roll/incline of the chassis and includes asoftware-based emergency stop button.

The “control panel” 240 on the left-hand side of the GUI graphicallydepicts the assembled virtual robot (with lateral cutting tool) andprovides customized controls based on the attached tool head and therequested process. FIG. 8 shows a “home” command. Above the controlpanel 240, the “process navigator” 245 lists the major functions thatmay be performed by the robot, in this case a lateral cutter. Here, thechoices include: “winch” (moving the robot longitudinally within thepipe); “trace cut;” “scan cut;” “path cut;” and “manual cut.” Theselatter options are all different ways to select the cut to be made bythe lateral cutter. Throughout the cutting process, if desired, theoperator can watch the cutting take place via a real-time camera(attachment camera).

Further, the various cutting (and other work functions) may becontrolled by the operator using the GUI in an intuitive fashion. Forexample, the software of the present invention preferably translates the“real-world” spatial coordinates of the tool head (e.g., the cuttingtip) to a two-dimensional contour plot (radial axis shown in color) ofthe selected region of the pipe (FIG. 9). Using the joystick, mouse orother input device, the operator may then select a portion of the pipeto be cut (or otherwise “worked”) in the control panel 240 of FIG. 9.For example, if a square was traced on the two dimensional views of thepipe in the control panel 240 of the GUI, and if a cutting operation wasinitiated, then the software would translate these coordinates intoreal-world spatial coordinates and control the tool head (cutter)accordingly. Likewise, without as much operator interaction, previouslyprogrammed or “recorded” cuts could be used to generate a real-world cutin the pipe in the same fashion. FIG. 10 shows an additional cuttingprocess based on laser scanning.

Further a program or script can be written to provide easy “access” torepeated functionality. In this way, a script could be written to“pre-program” a button on the GUI to perform a repeated function onpipe. For example, a script may require the robot to orient itself toupright, cut a 2″ diameter hole at 12:00 in the pipe (straight up), finda magnetic source in a pipe, and stop in proximity to the magneticsource to perform another series of procedures. The script could beactivated, for example, with a mouse click.

The entire architecture is plug-and-play. If a different robot wasconnected to the network (or if a similar robot had different sensorsattached), then the GUI would look completely different. Only thoseprocesses that are both feasible (mechanically and electricallypossible) as well as safe (according to predefined standards) aredisplayed to the operator. In this way, the GUI has the maximum amountof usefulness (because the display is automatically tailored to thedevice) and minimizes operator error (by not allowing certain“dangerous” combinations of activities to occur. This automaticidentification and the ease of use of the GUI is a product of utilizingpurely digital signaling in the present invention.

Similarly, if more than one robot were strung together via thecommunications interface, the GUI would identify and adapt to the addedfunctionality. In essence, reconfiguration occurs for different specificrobot assemblies as well as different groups of robots connected in atrain-like fashion through the common communications interface.

Mobility Options

There are a variety of different mobility options—methods for moving therobot and the attachment head through the pipeline network. Fourexemplary methods that may be applied to the present invention include:(1) dual reel/winch (traditional); (2) tug; (3) “inchworm” mobility; and(4) a corkscrew/bending methodology. The conventional dual winch method,in which opposing sides of the robot are attached to winches located atadjacent manholes (the robot in the pipe between the manholes), has beendescribed and is common in the art.

As an alternative, to a dual winch method, a tug may be used to “drive”(push or pull) the robot around the pipe or other space. A tug is asmall, mobile, wheeled vehicle that provides the force to move therobot. Control of the tug is preferably provided in line with the restof the present invention, and the tug may be connected through thecommon communications channel.

Two unconventional mobility methods may also be used. First, an air bagor bellows attached to the tool head interface may be inflated to pinthe air bag against the walls of the pipe. By then moving the tool headinterface in the longitudinal (L) direction, because of this pinning,the robot chassis will actually be forced in the longitudinal direction.After movement, the bag can be deflated, moved to the opposite end ofthe robot, and then re-inflated to “inch” the robot down the pipe.

Likewise a corkscrew approach may be taken. With this approach, one ofthe end pieces of the robot is bent out of alignment with thelongitudinal (L) axis. When this end is then rotated around thelongitudinal axis (with the opposite end free), the off-center axis willcause the robot to “screw” its way down the length of the pipe. Any ofthese mobility methods may be useful in a particular circumstance.

Methods

The previous discussion included a description of an exemplary roboticdevice with interchangeable tool heads and sensors, a communications andnetwork architecture scheme for use therewith, and an operator GUI thatautomatically presents the operator with screens that are useful basedon the auto-detection of the installed robotic components. Such a systemmay be used in a variety of different industries for a variety ofpurposes. To complete this detailed description, some exemplary uses ofa robotic device with interchangeable tool heads will now be described.

General Lateral Marking

Position marking is a method of identifying a point (a feature ofinterest) in a pipe which may serve as a “fiducial” so that the pipe isreferenced to a coordinate reference frame. After marking a point andleaving the area, the robot can later sense and return to the markedpoint, and align itself with the new and old reference frames. Lateralmarking (hereafter “marking”) is a method of using simple devices orother cues to stake out the location of a lateral in advance of lining(or relining), that can be found again after lining by a cutter robot.

Position markers can be used to register the official starting pointdatum. The purpose is to designate the zero position from which allodometry is recorded for a particular main and its laterals.

Lateral markers (hereafter “markers”) are devices that can be installedat any location on the inside surface of a pipe, prior to re-lining,nearby a lateral (or any other feature of interest) that can beaccurately re-located after being covered over with a lining material.In other words, markers must be able to be blindly located using somenon-contact and non-visual method, such as magnetics, radio frequency(RF), or metallic identity that is detectable through the linermaterial. The location of a marker in longitude (L), rotational (T), andradius (R) coordinates can be used by other robotic tool systems, suchas the 3-D scanner (laser or otherwise), cable odometry as a zeroreference, or calibration reference. Multiple markers can be used incombination to form a reference frame for other sensor data, such as 3-Dscans of the edges of a lateral opening.

The optimal location to place markers is near the extremes of the“bounding box” of the lateral or other feature of interest (see FIG.11). The distance between markers should be great enough to create alarge baseline of L, T, and R coordinates. The markers are not requiredto be located at the exact extremes of the boundary of the lateral, andcan be placed at any location in close proximity to the lateral opening.Markers that are either too close to each other, that have nearly thesame L or T coordinate, or that are too far apart will not form anaccurate reference frame in most cases.

In some pipe diameters and circumstances, it may not be necessary todetermine the radius value from the marker, such being the case forsmaller diameter pipes in which the L/R ratio of the robot constrainsthe amount of pitch relative to the pipe. This may be the case, forexample, for 6-10″ pipe, while 12″ and greater diameter pipes are likelyto require the reading of the radius (or may somehow derive the radius)distance for each marker location in order to determine pitch and yaw ofthe robot in the pipe, both at marker placement time and prior tocutting using marker data. In other cases, measuring and tracking allthree (3) coordinates for each marker may not be necessary. Rather, two(2) coordinates is accurate enough based on the accuracy constraints ofa particular pipe configuration.

A marker system according to the present invention preferably comprisesthree main components: (1) the physical markers; (2) a marker reader;and (3) software for signal capture. The physical markers are consumabledevices or materials that are permanently placed in the pipe andcontinuously retain their ability to be sensed once obscured by liningmaterial. A marker reader is the sensor that senses the marker location,giving at a minimum an indication of the presence/absence of the marker,extending to the capability to provide range and direction from thereader to the physical marker. Finally, a software module performs thefunctions of: signal capture from the reader; search algorithm andcommand; reference frame construction; and calibration to other sensors,cameras, and scanners. Also, the calibration of markers to pipeodometry, and the use of markers as an index to the overall lateraldatabase are key considerations in the lateral marker managementsoftware.

Several technologies have been considered for marking locations withinthe pipe interior that allow for post-lining detection includingmagnetic field and metal detection. A magnetic field marker system ischaracterized by a physical marker with minimal hardware, a low cost andsmall detector/reader (less than ½″ diameter) and high spatialrepeatability and position resolution. A metal detection marker system,on the other hand, is characterized by a low cost physical marker, lowspatial resolution, and a medium-sized detector for spatial resolution(˜several inches in diameter.

A self-drilling, self-locking drill-plug is a preferred mechanicalsolution to the physical marker design. In such a solution, the drillwould be part of the marker itself, so that drill bit changing would beeliminated.

The sequential steps of one preferred method for marker placement andsubstantial identification routine are as follows:

1. Install marker placement attachment on robot;

2. Load multi-marker magazine loaded with markers (a device that holds aplurality of markers that can then feed the markers to the markerplacement attachment).

3. Navigate the robot near the desired marking location (feature ofinterest).

4. Drill and place marker whereby the robot establishes a coordinatereference point in relation to the marker and other features/points in apipe. Ensure that the robot remains in a fixed position in a pipe toensure reliable positioning.

5. After the robot leaves that position, it may return to that positionto re-establish the coordinate point in space or the coordinatereference frame.

In some instances, the markers may also have other relevant informationconcerning the pipe location and features via RFID tag (or another)technology.

Marker Lateral Cutting

The following are preferred steps for a preferred marker lateral cuttingmethod:

1. Perform marker placement near a lateral (or feature of interest) suchthat the marker may be applied and cutting can be performed in a singlerobot positioning (i.e., robot will not have to move and cut twice).

2. Additional markers may be placed near the lateral to improve thecoordinate reference frame alignment.

3. Identify and record for later use the lateral (or feature ofinterest) dimensions via captured 3D pipe data or cut path by sensingthrough a laser scan, camera object recognition, or haptic (touching)method.

4. After the pipe is lined, return the robot to the lateral location bymeasuring lateral footage (pay out) and by sensing markers to determinethe location of the previously applied markers.

5. Index the robot reference frame to the pipe reference frame based onprior marker placement and location.

6. Based on the recorded lateral dimensions in the cut path and therobot position relative to the markers, cut the lateral to the desiredshape and location.

7. Perform multiple cuts and coordinate brushing or trimming (finishing)to prior cut laterals.

8. Advance the robot to the next lateral and begin the process again.

Nothing in the above description is meant to limit the present inventionto any specific materials, geometry, or orientation of elements. Manypart/orientation substitutions are contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Theembodiments described herein were presented by way of example only andshould not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particularembodiments in an application, one of ordinary skill in the art, inlight of the teachings herein, can generate additional embodiments andmodifications without departing from the spirit of, or exceeding thescope of, the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is understood that thedrawings and the descriptions herein are proffered only to facilitatecomprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit thescope thereof.

1. A robotic control system, comprising: a robot that comprises: achassis; a universal interface positioned within said chassis, whereinsaid universal interface is: movable relative to said chassis; andconfigured for removable connection to a plurality of differentattachments, the plurality of different attachments comprising: aplurality of different electrically-powered attachments; a plurality ofdifferent pneumatically-powered attachments; and a plurality ofdifferent hydraulically-powered attachments; a controller incommunication with the universal interface, wherein the controller isconfigured to: automatically identify each attachment when theattachment is connected to the universal interface; and automaticallycontrol the functionality of the robot based on the identifiedattachment; and at least one sensing device connected to the controller;at least one of said plurality of different attachments removablyconnected to said universal interface; and a computer in communicationwith said robot, wherein said computer is located remote from saidrobot.
 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one ofsaid plurality of different attachments comprises a tool head.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein said tool head comprises a laser.
 4. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein said tool head comprises one of thefollowing: a barrel cutting tool; a lateral cutting tool; a rotatingrasp tool; a root cutting tool; a pipe cleaning tool; a lateral trimmingtool; a high pressure jet tool; a pipe joint sealing tool; a pipe jointtesting tool; a pipe profiling tool; a pipe sampling tool; and aninternal repair tool.
 5. The control system of claim 1, wherein saidcomputer is in wired communication with said robot.
 6. The controlsystem of claim 5, further comprising: an umbilical cableinterconnecting said computer to said robot such that all resourcesrequired to operate said plurality of different attachments exist insaid umbilical cable.
 7. The control system of claim 6, wherein saidumbilical cable includes electrical power lines.
 8. The control systemof claim 6, wherein said umbilical cable includes pneumatic air lines.9. The system of claim 6, wherein said umbilical cable comprises anoptical fiber.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least onesensing device comprises at least one imaging sensor.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a computing device in communication withsaid computer, wherein said computing device is located remote from saidcomputer.
 12. The control system of claim 1, wherein said at least oneof said plurality of different attachments comprises a sensor.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensing device comprises atleast one of the following: an imaging device; a temperature sensor; aPH sensor; a gas composition sensor; a position sensor; a tilt sensor;an incline sensor; a humidity sensor; a pressure sensor; a voltagesensor; a current sensor; a flow sensor; and a payout sensor.
 14. Thecontrol system of claim 1, wherein said computer is in wirelesscommunication with said robot.
 15. The control system of claim 1,further comprising: a software system that automatically enumerates andidentifies each sensing device and attachment, and which automaticallyconfigures a graphical user interface running on said computer toinclude a corresponding interface for monitoring each sensing device andattachment and for controlling each attachment.
 16. A robot, comprising:a chassis; and a universal interface positioned within the chassis,wherein the universal interface is: movable relative to the chassis; andconfigured for removable connection to a plurality of differentattachments, the plurality of different attachments comprising: aplurality of different electrically-powered attachments; a plurality ofdifferent pneumatically-powered attachments; and a plurality ofdifferent hydraulically-powered attachments.
 17. The robot of claim 16,wherein the universal interface has at least two degrees of freedomrelative to the to the chassis.
 18. The robot of claim 16, wherein theuniversal interface has three degrees of freedom relative to the to thechassis.
 19. The robot of claim 16, wherein the universal interfacecomprises a power take off.
 20. The robot of claim 16, furthercomprising one of the plurality of different attachments removablyconnected to the universal interface.
 21. The robot of claim 20, whereinthe one of the plurality of different attachments has at least onedegree of freedom relative to the universal interface.
 22. The robot ofclaim 20, wherein the one of the plurality of different attachmentscomprises one of the following: a tool; and a sensor.
 23. The robot ofclaim 22, wherein the tool comprises one of the following: a barrelcutting tool; a lateral cutting tool; a rotating rasp tool; a rootcutting tool; a pipe cleaning tool; a lateral trimming tool; a highpressure jet tool; a pipe joint sealing tool; a pipe joint testing tool;a pipe profiling tool; a pipe sampling tool; and an internal repairtool.
 24. The robot of claim 16, further comprising a mobility deviceconnected to the universal interface.
 25. The robot of claim 24, furthercomprising a controller connected to the mobility device.
 26. The robotof claim 25, further comprising at least one sensing device connected tothe controller.
 27. The robot of claim 16, further comprising ananchoring member connected to the chassis.